Press enter after choosing selection

Burke Resigns Civil Service Board Post

Burke Resigns Civil Service Board Post image
Parent Issue
Day
24
Month
August
Year
1946
Copyright
Copyright Protected
Rights Held By
Donated by the Ann Arbor News. © The Ann Arbor News.
OCR Text

Burke Resigns Civil Service
Board Post
Action Follows Erroneous Democratic Report Of Part In Fund Drive By Guy H. Jenkins
"(News Lansing Bureau) LANSING-George J. Burke, prominent Ann Arbor attorney, resigned today from the State Civil Service Commission as a consequence of an erroneous Democratic announcement that he would serve on a $300,000 campaign fundraising committee.
Burke said he had no intention of serving on the committee, and had never agreed to.
His effectiveness as a member of the civil service commission, Burke stated in his letter to Gov.) Harry F. Kelly, "has been completely emasculated" by the report, even though incorrect, that he was himself to collect party funds while serving on a commission which insists that state employes not engage in political activities.
The announcement that Burke would serve on the party's fundraising committee was given in newspaper and radio station stories carried out of Detroit. The Associated Press said the announcement was made by Benjamin Levinson, assistant to the treasurer of the Democratic National Committee.
A member of the commission since its organization in 1941, Burke's term would have expired Dec. 31, 1948. Says Effectiveness Gone
Burke's letter of resignation, in part, follows:
"This afternoon for the first time I was informed through radio station and newspaper announcements that I am supposed to be the collector of a fund of $300,000 in the interests of the Democratic party.
"My effectiveness as a member of a non - partisan civil service commission has been completely emasculated.
“The commission has insisted, and properly, that state employees should not engage in political activities. Why I could expect compliance with this reasonable rule and at the same time be a solicitor for a political party myself, I cannot and will not attempt to justify.
"Suffice it to say I am sick and tired of the whole hybrid system of political opportunism. Praises Associates
"My associates on the commission are men of unquestioned loyalty, decency and faith in a true merit system. It is my earnest wish that your appointment in my place may be an individual of the same quality as my associates.
"I may add that I have no intention of raising the sum of $300,000 or any other amount for a party of which I have been a member for more years than most if the current crop of patriots have been associated for an equal number of months.
"I have some work to do on my farm and it may possibly be more congenial than my public duties.
"I may add in conclusion that never once during the time I have been a member of this commission have you, to my knowledge, directly or indirectly sought to influence its decisions."